Feb 23 • 05:21 UTC 🇩🇪 Germany FAZ

Who is behind 'Archive Today'?: Wikipedia removes suspicious links

Wikipedia has removed links to 'Archive Today', a service potentially linked to questionable practices, amidst concerns about its origins and continued operation.

The popular service 'Archive Today' has come under scrutiny for its possible involvement in dubious activities, prompting Wikipedia to eliminate all links to the site. 'Archive Today', accessible through URLs like 'archive.ph', has been a vital resource for archiving websites online, especially since it allows users to view previous versions of web pages that have had their content altered. The service is free and has been frequently utilized by journalists for research purposes, primarily because it makes it nearly impossible to delete archived content retroactively, with exceptions primarily for illicit materials.

Despite its usefulness, the lack of transparency regarding the operators of 'Archive Today', which has been in existence since approximately 2012, raises concerns. Investigations have indicated potential connections to Russia and Germany, but no concrete information has emerged about its actual ownership or operational management. This ambiguity about its origins combined with Wikipedia's decision to dissociate from the service signals a growing wariness about the credibility and legality of online archival tools, which could have wider implications for internet freedom and access to information.

As the situation unfolds, questions remain about the future of 'Archive Today' and whether it can continue to operate effectively given Wikipedia's removal of its links. This move not only affects users who rely on the service for research but also reflects a broader tension in the digital landscape regarding the importance of trustworthy sources amid the proliferation of questionable online platforms. The development serves as a reminder for users to remain vigilant when employing archival services that lack clear accountability and transparency.

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